Contending for the Faith

Jude purposed to write to the saints about the salvation that we all hold in common, but was led by The Holy Spirit to exhort the believers to earnestly contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints (Jude 3). The word “contend” suggests the idea of a conflict (Ephesians 6:10-12).

Make no mistake about it, beloved; the faith that we have in Jesus Christ is under attack day and night! The cults attempt to twist the gospel of the grace of God (Galatians 1:6-9). World religions and false teachers attempt to promote another Jesus than the One we find in Scripture (2 Corinthians 11:1-4). When we consider the incredible price that God paid to give to us this precious gospel (1 Peter 1:18-21), it is worth defending and contending for with all of our might (Acts 20:24)!

Opposition to Jesus Christ and His gospel is nothing new. Jesus even told the crowd that gathered to hear His sermon on the mount that persecution was one of the very beatitudes of a citizen of His Kingdom (Matthew 5:10-12).

However, since we are told to contend for the faith, then it is important that we study in order to know what we believe (2 Timothy 2:15). We do not learn the important doctrines of Scripture by accident. It takes a determination to search God’s Word (Acts 17:11), and we must let Scripture reveal the truth of God to our hearts and minds in order that we might know it and live it (2 Timothy 3:16-17). By learning God’s Word and living it out practically, we are prepared to give an answer to people who may ask us about our faith in Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:15).

However, let us understand that contending for the faith never suggests that we be contentious or argumentative (2 Timothy 2:24-26). Whenever we are able to share God’s Word with others, we are told to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).

The church needs to be on high alert, because the spirit of antichrist is alive and well on planet earth (1 John 2:18,22, 4:3). This is no time to fall asleep in the light, beloved (1 Thessalonians 5:6-10; Romans 13:11-14)! This exhortation from Jude is a timely one indeed.